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Rodent Surgery Researcher Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Rodent Surgery Researcher information

What is a rodent surgery researcher?

A Rodent Surgery Researcher is a scientific professional who specializes in performing surgical procedures on rodents, such as mice and rats, for biomedical research purposes. These researchers are responsible for designing experiments, conducting surgeries with strict adherence to ethical and regulatory standards, and ensuring the welfare of the animals. Their work supports studies in areas like neuroscience, genetics, pharmacology, and disease modeling. Rodent Surgery Researchers often collaborate with other scientists, maintain detailed records, and may also train others in surgical techniques.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a rodent surgery researcher?

To thrive as a Rodent Surgery Researcher, you need a solid background in animal science or biomedical research, proficiency in aseptic surgical techniques, and often a relevant degree such as a BSc or MSc in a life science field. Familiarity with laboratory animal care protocols, use of surgical instruments, and compliance with Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) guidelines are typically required, alongside certifications like ALAT or LAT. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, strong organizational skills, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for success in this role. These skills ensure the welfare of research animals, the accuracy of experimental results, and compliance with ethical and regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by rodent surgery researchers and how are they addressed in a laboratory setting?

Rodent surgery researchers often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict aseptic technique, ensuring precise and reproducible surgical procedures, and minimizing animal stress and post-operative complications. These challenges are addressed through comprehensive training, adherence to detailed protocols, and close collaboration with veterinary staff. Laboratories typically provide regular workshops, access to specialized equipment, and foster a team environment where researchers can share best practices and troubleshoot issues together, ensuring both animal welfare and research integrity.

What is the difference between Rodent Surgery Researcher vs Laboratory Animal Technician?

AspectRodent Surgery ResearcherLaboratory Animal Technician
CredentialsVeterinary or research-related certifications, surgical trainingAnimal care certifications, laboratory animal technician credentials
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, surgical suites, academic institutionsAnimal facilities, research institutions, laboratories
Job FocusPerforming surgeries, experimental procedures on rodentsAnimal husbandry, daily care, and monitoring of laboratory animals

While both roles involve working with laboratory rodents, the Rodent Surgery Researcher specializes in performing surgical procedures and experimental interventions, requiring surgical skills and related certifications. In contrast, the Laboratory Animal Technician focuses on daily animal care, monitoring, and maintaining animal health. Both roles are essential in research settings but differ in their primary responsibilities and skill requirements.

What job categories do people searching Rodent Surgery Researcher jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Rodent Surgery Researcher jobs in Michigan are:
Infographic showing various Rodent Surgery Researcher job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Research Assistant - Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI • On-site

$19 - $26.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


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Job description

Research Assistant - Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Research Assistant - Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at its Detroit campus location.
Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.
Essential functions (job duties):
Job Purpose:
Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, provide scientific and technical assistance to complete laboratory based, clinical or population science research. May assist in writing research protocols and in manuscript preparation. Design and perform research protocols independently or as directed through training in more difficult or specialized procedures to meet the needs of the research protocol.
Essential Functions:
Perform laboratory based scientific techniques or clinical/population science (human subjects) research. Design and perform experiments, recruit participants for studies by developing surveys and interviewing candidates. Participate in implementing research objectives, ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory and protocol guidelines. Assist staff with experiments/research protocols as required. Communicate with principal investigator and Postdoctoral scholars/fellows on the status of research.
Collect and log laboratory results, clinical outcomes and/or survey data. Evaluate and perform data analysis using graphs, charts or tables to highlight the key points of the research results collected in accordance with the research protocols as stipulated. Proofread and edit research data and documents to ensure accuracy.
Assist principal investigator with writing methods and summarizing/organizing data to be used in preparing and presenting presentations for professional, scientific and academic conferences and submittal to academic and scholarly peer-reviewed journals.
Maintain the laboratory work areas including routine maintenance on laboratory equipment as required. Order and organize required research supplies and records. Maintain cleanliness and organization of work station.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Unique duties:
Perform immunology experiments and physiologic studies (pulmonary, cardiovascular, neurobiological, and integrative physiology) using rodent models.Conduct in vitro and in vivo functional, anatomical, and histologic studies.Perform molecular biology and immunology studies, including RT-PCR, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, imaging studies, flow cytometry (FACS), and bioengineering studies.Perform rodent handling and surgical procedures in support of research studies.Analyze research data and assist with manuscript development and grant writing.Bank and catalog biological samples, maintain laboratory databases, and project inventories.Work independently while coordinating research activities with laboratory personnel and training research students as needed.Assist with all laboratory studies and related research activities.
Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's degree in a related field of study, preferred. Requires advanced knowledge
predominantly intellectual in character in a field of science or learning acquired by a prolonged
course of specialized intellectual instruction.
Experience: Entry level (less that a year of job-related experience)
Experience performing basic research techniques or interacting with human subjects, preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Ability to work independently. Ability to analyze, summarize and interpret research findings and
data in reports and spreadsheets and communicate results. Knowledge of scientific integrity
principles. Excellent time management and organization skills. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrated ability to work with others in a collaborative environment. Microsoft office software skills.
Preferred qualifications:
Master's degree in a relevant scientific discipline.Minimum of two years of experience working with rodent models.Experience performing in vivo functional studies and rodent surgical procedures.Experience with molecular biology techniques, including RT-PCR, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, histology, flow cytometry (FACS), imaging, and bioengineering studies.Experience with manuscript preparation and scientific writing.Demonstrated knowledge of experimental design and strong organizational, planning, and communication skills.
School/College/Division:
H06 - School of Medicine
Primary department:
H0610
Employment type:
  • Regular Employee
  • Job type: Full Time
  • Job category: Research
Funding/salary information:
  • Compensation type: Annual Salary
  • Hourly rate:
  • Salary minimum: TBD
  • Salary hire maximum: TBD
Working conditions:
Typical work environment may include a laboratory and/ or office environment. May require working non-standard business hours including evenings and weekends. May be required to travel to scientific conferences.
Job openings:
  • Number of openings: 2
  • Reposted position: No
  • Reposted reason: None (New Requisition)
  • Prior posting/requisition number:
Background check requirements:
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

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